Back to School: Kinder Edition

"You're off to great places, today is your day!  Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!"

I'm still a little in disbelief that the hubs and I have an almost-6 year old who will experience his first full day of elementary school as a kinder in one week from today.  But he is so ready and is going to make one awesome little student.

Kingston and I had a special back to school shopping date a couple of weeks ago and I treated him to lunch -- McDonald's, his choice.  Afterwards, we went to a few of our usual spots and scored some pretty good deals on a few pieces that should hold the boy until Christmas (I hope). 

He is ready for blue Fridays (go Seahawks!), warm days and cooler days, to earn his first faux Letterman's hoody, and of course sport a little Star Wars for good measure.  We haven't decided what he'll wear on his first day yet, but I sure hope I leave the tears behind -- I have a feeling this first day will be one of the hardest!  

Kingston's First Library Card

Last Friday, Kingston and I went on a special outing to our local library - just the two of us.  I couldn't believe the look on his face when he found out where we were going.  It was almost like it was Christmas morning.  We have been talking about getting him his very own library card for awhile now, so I was happy to find some time to actually do it.

When we got to the library, we very easily signed him up for his own card... which he was handed along with a sharpie to sign his name on the back.  Once that was done, he told me we had a certain schedule we had to follow when we were at the library.  I think he came up with this schedule based on a trip he made with my mom last summer to the library near my work.  First, we had to find the toys and play.  We worked on puzzles, had a puppet show, and built random objects out of blocks.  Then, we walked around selecting a few books and movies to check out.  Then, it was time to talk to the librarian.  Unfortunately, we did not find a librarian who wasn't busy to chat with... but Kingston quickly forgot that step when he saw that he would be able to scan his card and books all by himself.

My favorite part of the trip was spending a little time with my oldest.  It was fun to set aside one hour to do what he wanted to do at the library and share that moment with him.  But, I'm not gonna lie - I was so proud of him when he signed his name on the back of his card... something I will keep forever, friends.

#TBT: Kingston @ 9 Months.

One of my favorite photos of our oldest when he was a babe.  How is this not yesterday... but instead nearly four years ago?!  Kingston is such a sweet boy and I absolutely love being his mommy.  Especially after what happened last night.

Rarely cranky before bed, Kingston was a little sassy last night when it was around that time.  He finally calmed down and was ready for bed... we read a book... I tucked him in... and that was that.  But then, a few minutes later, he called for me to come to his room.  As I enter his bedroom, he apologized for his behavior earlier, said he loves me, and that he wants to make me proud.  All of those words, all on his very own.

Did I mention how much I love this oldest boy of mine!?  One of the very sweetest.

{Cole} Our 20 month old baby moose.

Oh this little boy toddler of mine.  Cole being less than four months away from turning two years old is a weird idea for me.  He is such a fun-loving, happy, spunky, stubborn little guy -- but I swear he has to be turning almost one, not two.  Then he throws one of those "yep-I'm-almost-two-years-old" tantrums and it brings me back to reality.

This kid has many loves: his beloved "dog dog" (stuffed animal), 'toons, action figures, balls, the backyard, milk, cellphones, the swings and/or slide, toy cars, bath time, mega blocks, wrestling, story time, his big brother...

...but dislikes: haircuts, the drive through car wash, bed time, dirty hands, raw tomatoes.

He is a big boy wearing big boy clothes... size 3T... and size 9 toddler shoes... weighing in at nearly 37 lbs.  

I always say I wish this time would slow down, but I am looking forward to the next steps in his development.  I guess that is why this switch from baby to toddler-hood is truly so bittersweet.  But, one thing is for certain -- Cole is our baby moose and I love him so.        

Sink Bath for a Sick Baby.

I'm pretty sure there is nothing worse than throwing up... especially when it is a little baby/toddler throwing up.  That was the case for our poor little Cole on Saturday.  This marked the first time he was sick like that and you could tell he wasn't quite sure what had hit him.  In fact, we didn't even realize he was throwing up until after he was pretty much done - he just quietly sat in his high chair until his big brother alerted us that something was up.  We almost thought he had choked (scary!), until he was sick again later that evening.  But, when it first happened... the only remedy I could think of to keep him calm and clean him up was a sink bath.  And let me tell you, he loved it.  In fact, last night... days later... he begged me to have a sink bath while I was making dinner.

I am home today with what appears to be the same little bug both of our boys had (Kingston had the same thing about a week ago).  Can this cold/flu season be over now, please?    

Night Snow.

Just a few photos from last weekend, when we had a little snow on Saturday night.  Kingston had a blast staying up late to work with daddy on making a "snowman family."  It was the perfect amount of snow... a few inches to enjoy over the weekend, yet it didn't affect work schedules or our daily life.  And I gotta say - while I've been wishing for a little warmer weather and some sunshine, it was fun to see the big white flakes coming down fast and in a hurry. 

Cole, at 18 months old.

You are such a big boy at 18 months now, Cole.  Not only are you big in size wearing mostly 3T clothing (100% for height and weight... 99% for head circumference), you are also a big boy in behavior.  You want to be a part of everything, especially if it involves your daddy and big brother.  You absolutely love balls and sports; nothing better than a little baseball practice or a good basketball hoop.  While you grunt more than speak, you love to clap your hands to show your happiness.  You are probably "Daniel Tiger's" biggest fan and your favorite toy is your stuffed animal named "Dog Dog."  You have 7 teeth and one molar.  You can't quite jump off the ground yet but try often.  Your most favorite food is oatmeal with blueberries, but really if we're honest, you'll eat most anything except for tomatoes.  You like to splash in the bath tub and enjoy the outdoors.  You are our youngest and we love you dearly.    

Easy Rider

Kingston got a big wheels for Christmas.  He was super excited to ride it... even though it is a little big for him.  So, the hubs fixed him up right with an outdoor cushion.  And when I saw him riding down the street like this, I just had to take a picture.  

Love this boy of mine.